UAB Blazers Upset Memphis Tigers in Thrilling Finish
Saturday, October 18, 2025, 4:00 PM ET · Protective Stadium
UAB Blazers 31, Memphis Tigers 24, final. Our NCAAF picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Memphis Tigers vs UAB Blazers?
UAB Blazers beat Memphis Tigers 31-24 at Protective Stadium on October 18, 2025.
In a surprising turn of events, the UAB Blazers secured a 31-24 victory over the Memphis Tigers at Protective Stadium. This result marks a significant upset, given the contrasting trajectories of both teams leading into the game. Memphis entered the matchup with a strong 6-1 record and a nine-game winning streak, while UAB struggled with a 3-4 record and had lost their last three games. The Blazers had averaged 28.5 points scored and 37.5 points allowed over their last ten games, showcasing a defensive vulnerability that Memphis was expected to exploit. However, UAB's performance defied expectations, demonstrating resilience and a newfound ability to compete against a formidable opponent.
Memphis, on the other hand, had been on a roll, boasting a scoring average of 39.3 points while allowing just 20.3 points per game in their last ten outings. Their recent form included a dominant win against Tulsa, where they triumphed 45-7, and a convincing 55-26 victory over Florida Atlantic. The Tigers had not only excelled at home with a 5-0 record but also managed a solid 4-1 mark in away games, indicating their capacity to perform in various environments. Their previous meeting with UAB in the 2024 season ended in a decisive 53-18 victory for Memphis, further establishing them as the favorites going into this contest.
The game took place under favorable conditions at Protective Stadium, which typically supports a vibrant atmosphere for college football. UAB's home record stood at 3-2, while they had struggled significantly away, going 0-5 in those games. This home-field advantage likely played a role in their unexpected success against Memphis. The Blazers' recent form at home had shown some promise, with their last five games yielding a record of 1-4, but they had averaged only 25.0 points scored and allowed 41.2 points, indicating a need for improvement on both sides of the ball.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but the impact of player availability can often sway the dynamics of a game. UAB's ability to field a healthy roster may have contributed to their surprising performance, while Memphis had to contend with the pressures of maintaining their winning streak.
The betting market reflected the expectations surrounding this matchup, with UAB's win probability set at 1.0, suggesting they were significant underdogs. This line from the provider indicated a lack of confidence in UAB's chances against a Memphis team that had been performing at a high level. However, the Blazers' victory turned the narrative on its head, showcasing the unpredictability of college football.
As the game unfolded, viewers were treated to a showcase of UAB's determination and strategic execution. The Blazers' ability to capitalize on Memphis' defensive lapses proved crucial, allowing them to score effectively and keep the game competitive. Meanwhile, Memphis struggled to find their rhythm, which had been a hallmark of their previous performances. The contrast in scoring averages between the two teams highlighted the significance of UAB's defensive adjustments, which ultimately played a pivotal role in their success.
In conclusion, UAB's 31-24 victory over Memphis not only signifies a crucial win for the Blazers but also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of college football, where any team can rise to the occasion and deliver a stunning performance. This game will likely be a topic of discussion as both teams move forward in the season, with UAB looking to build on this momentum and Memphis aiming to regroup after a surprising setback.
Leaders
- Passing yardsRyder Burton20/27, 251 YDS, 3 TD, 1 INTUAB Blazers
- Rushing yardsSolomon Beebe5 CAR, 106 YDS, 1 TDUAB Blazers
- Receiving yardsIverson Hooks11 REC, 172 YDS, 3 TDUAB Blazers
- Passing yardsAJ Hill13/25, 175 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INTMemphis Tigers
- Rushing yardsGreg Desrosiers Jr.11 CAR, 74 YDS, 1 TDMemphis Tigers
- Receiving yardsCortez Braham Jr.5 REC, 83 YDSMemphis Tigers
Recent form
UAB Blazers
Last 10: 3-7Streak L328.5 scored · 37.5 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L33-53at Florida Atlantic OwlsOct 11
- L13-31vs Army Black KnightsOct 4
- L24-56at Tennessee VolunteersSep 20
- W31-28vs Akron ZipsSep 14
- L24-38at Navy MidshipmenSep 6
- W52-42vs Alabama State HornetsAug 29
- L27-29at Charlotte 49ersNov 30
- W40-14vs Rice OwlsNov 23
- L18-53at Memphis TigersNov 17
- L23-31vs UConn HuskiesNov 9
Memphis Tigers
Last 10: 9-1Streak W939.3 scored · 20.3 allowed per game4-1 away
- W45-7vs Tulsa Golden HurricaneOct 5
- W55-26at Florida Atlantic OwlsSep 27
- W32-31vs Arkansas RazorbacksSep 20
- W28-7at Troy TrojansSep 13
- W38-16at Georgia State PanthersSep 6
- W45-10vs Chattanooga MocsAug 30
- W34-24at Tulane Green WaveNov 29
- W53-18vs UAB BlazersNov 17
- W27-20vs Rice OwlsNov 9
- L36-44at UTSA RoadrunnersNov 2
Standings
| Team | Overall | In conference |
|---|---|---|
| Memphis | 1-0 | 0-0 |
| Army | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Charlotte | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| East Carolina | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Florida Atlantic | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Navy | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| North Texas | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Rice | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| South Florida | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Temple | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Tulane | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Tulsa | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| UAB | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| UTSA | 0-0 | 0-0 |
Box score
| Stat | Memphis Tigers | UAB Blazers |
|---|---|---|
| First downs | 20 | 25 |
| Third downs | 5-11 | 9-13 |
| Fourth downs | 2-4 | 1-1 |
| Total yards | 362 | 470 |
| Net passing yards | 243 | 251 |
| Completions | 22/35 | 20/27 |
| Yards per pass | 6.9 | 9.3 |
| Rushing yards | 119 | 219 |
| Rushing attempts | 25 | 41 |
| Yards per rush | 4.8 | 5.3 |
| Penalties | 8-54 | 6-47 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Fumbles lost | 0 | 1 |
| Interceptions thrown | 1 | 1 |
| Time of possession | 24:55 | 35:05 |
Win probability
Above the line favours UAB Blazers, below favours Memphis Tigers.
Venue
- Protective StadiumBirmingham, AL
- Attendance19037
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